(If Communist Cuba continues to be a "shame of our time," how does one interpret, in that context, the recent papal allocution to the new Cuban ambassador? If, on the contrary, Cuba has ceased to be that "shame," what would be the most serious reasons that would have inspired such a change in interpretation of 180 degrees regarding a Communist state?)

(President Obama has received due attention for pandering to dictators across the globe. He has not been reproached, however, for embracing one of the leaders most effective at spreading the leftist gospel across Latin America. Last year, Mr. Obama called Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva "my champion." Mr. Lula has enjoyed an undeserved reputation as a moderate during his seven years in office and now is openly campaigning to be the next secretary-general of the United Nations. His accession to head the U.N. would be a dark day for freedom).

Armando Valladares

Marzo 31

Obamacare, between "democrat's death by suicide" & "conservative defeat by anesthesia"

(The Chinese economic invasion of Brazil and Latin America threatens to turn the Continent into a sort of satellite of the red dragon, with potential cultural, psychological and political transformations; there is a disloyalty of the Chinese competitors, because it is an invasion promoted by the very Chinese State, rather than an action driven by the Chinese private sector).

(The abortion issue is crucial and well worth the current Brazilian debate; however, it's only the tip of a dangerous iceberg, namely the National Human Rights Plan (PNDH), which is being fostered by Brazil's "moderate" President Lula, a law bill that deeply affects core values such as family, private property, religious freedom and freedom of the press - to mention but some.; aside from an active anti-abortion and anti-socialist minority, vast portions of the Brazilian public have so far remained nonchalant and unwary towards the PNDH; nevertheless, an excellent "psycho-ammunition" has been handed out on a silver platter by the ruling-party candidate and her mentor President Lula - a golden opportunity for the opponent candidate to awake the indolents).

(Recent generations of former Cuban political prisoners have been given the vocation to play the role of modern-day Davids, always ready to fight by straightforwardly denouncing things that Big Bad Wolves, Little Red Riding Hoods and collaborationist Shepherds are willing to cover up or remain silent about).